Histrionic Personality Disorder

About Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood. Features include discomfort when not the center of attention, interactions marked by inappropriately seductive or provocative behavior, rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions, consistent use of physical appearance to draw attention, speech that is impressionistic and lacking in detail, self dramatization and exaggerated emotional expression, suggestibility, and considering relationships to be more intimate than they actually are. DSM-5 groups it with antisocial, borderline and narcissistic personality disorders in the dramatic, emotional or erratic cluster. The term derives from the older concept of hysteria, and the diagnosis has been criticized for reflecting gender stereotypes, since it has historically been diagnosed more often in women, though some studies find similar rates in men and women. People with the disorder may seek treatment for depression, relationship difficulties or other concerns rather than for the personality pattern itself. The condition can co occur with somatic symptom disorder, depression and other personality disorders. Research on treatment is limited. Psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy are used, often focusing on underlying beliefs, emotion regulation and more satisfying ways of relating to others, and medication may be used for co occurring conditions.